GlenAllachie 9 Years Amontillado Sherry Cask Finish - The Wood Collection
In the limited Wood Collection, GlenAllachie showcases the effect that different types of sherry can have on whisky maturation. They transferred their Single Malt, aged for 6.5 years in ex-bourbon casks, into casks previously filled with different sherries: Fino, Amontillado, and Oloroso. After a total maturation period of 9 years, all three variants were bottled at 48%, without coloring or chill filtration. On invitation from Kirsch Import and Billy Walker himself, we had the pleasure of comparing these three bottlings side by side, focusing on how cask management and selection influence the aroma.
Tasting Notes
Nose
On first sniff, the GlenAllachie 9 Years reveals an intriguing combination of woody notes and a subtle alcohol presence. The nose is accompanied by a vibrant fruitiness, with lemon zest and honey being the dominant flavours. Nectarines and pecan nuts complete the profile and provide a pleasant sweetness, which is rounded off by slight hints of red grapes and caramel. Nuances of pear and spicy notes are also recognisable, harmoniously interacting with milk chocolate and nutty undertones.
Palate
The flavour of the Amontillado Sherry Cask Finish reveals a powerful fruity explosion. Distinctly spicy notes, particularly of ginger, come to the fore and give the whisky a pleasant warmth. The creamy texture of milk chocolate and the buttery flavours of a butter biscuit round off the Scotch and ensure a good balance between sweetness and spice.
Finish
The finish of this whisky is of medium length. The flavours are well balanced, with very light leather notes adding depth without overloading the overall impression. The fruitiness remains subtle and blends harmoniously into the overall picture.
Thoughts
Marcel 77/100
With its full-bodied character and the fruity-spicy explosion in the glass, this GlenAllachie 9 Year Amontillado Sherry Cask Finish invites you to enjoy it in a relaxed way – it shows that maturation can sometimes mean more depth and less freshness without becoming boring.
Sascha 79/100
A well-balanced Speyside single malt with complex aromas and a harmonious structure; the combination of the Amontillado finish and 48% ABV creates an interesting balance between sweetness, spice, and a velvety texture, although it occasionally drifts into a somewhat muddled overall impression.
Value for Money: Fair
Discover our value for money winnersThis product was kindly provided to us by Kirsch Import. This does not influence our rating. No payments or other benefits were received in exchange for this provision.
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79/100Frequently Asked Questions
How does the Amontillado Sherry Cask Finish influence the taste of this GlenAllachie 9 Year whisky?
The Amontillado Sherry Cask Finish imparts a robust fruity note with spicy accents like ginger. It provides a creamy texture with flavors of milk chocolate and butter biscuit, creating a balanced interplay between sweetness and spice.
Why does GlenAllachie forgo chill filtration and coloring in this whisky?
Foregoing chill filtration and artificial coloring preserves the whisky’s natural aromas and original color. This keeps the flavor profile unadulterated and authentic, which is especially important for cask finishes like the Amontillado Sherry.
What makes maturation in different sherry casks within the Wood Collection special?
The Wood Collection demonstrates how various types of sherry casks – Fino, Amontillado, and Oloroso – uniquely shape the whisky’s character. This variety of casks allows for discovering subtle differences in aroma, flavor, and texture through targeted finishing.